Pentagon Tour Program Security Measures

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

1400 DEFENSE PENTAGON

WASHINGTON, DC 20301-1400















PUBLIC AFFAIRS


April 9, 2009



MEMORANDUM FOR Tour Requestors



FROM: Pentagon Tour Office



SUBJECT: Security Measures



1. In order to ensure everyone’s safety and security, these guidelines must be followed when taking a tour of the Pentagon. There are no exceptions to these rules and non-compliance will cause the tour to be terminated.



a. Tour groups are to check in with the tour window located inside the visitor’s center 15 minutes prior to scheduled time. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour to ensure ample time to be inspected through security. Group tours that are not present at the scheduled time will be cancelled. Have your confirmation letter available to show the Pentagon Police upon arrival to the Pentagon at the Metro entrance. This letter will also be verified at the tour window.



b. The following items are prohibited inside the building: weapons of any sort (i.e. knives, box cutter, mace, pepper spray, etc.) and large bags (i.e. knapsacks, camera bags, backpacks and shopping bags, etc.). However, purses are permitted but are subject to search if brought into the building. Anyone with the mentioned items will not be allowed on the tour with such items. Also no food and/or beverages are permitted on the tour.



c. The following items are permitted inside the building, but cannot be used along the tour route: electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, picture cameras, video cameras, PDA’s, blackberry’s, laptops, etc.) and tobacco products. You are encouraged to not bring these items inside the building as it will slow processing into the building.



d. Proper Identification (ID) must be shown to building security. Please contact Pentagon Force Protection Agency directly at (703) 697-1001, (703) 692-7184 or (703) 695-3206 regarding acceptable forms of ID. Below are a few guidelines to follow:



- Ages 12 and under - ID not required.

- Ages 13 to 17 - Require 1 form of Photo ID or a parent/guardian to vouch for them.

- Ages 18 and up - Require 2 forms of ID: one form must be a Government Issued Photo ID, the other form of ID must verify the individuals name (i.e. social security card, birth certificate, or any club card with the exception of business cards).











//SIGNED//

Director, Pentagon Tour Program